MT CLE | Montana State CLE

Understanding MT CLE Requirements for Attorneys: A Complete Guide

Attorneys practicing in Montana are required to engage in ongoing professional education to maintain their competence, ethics, and quality of service. The MT CLE (Montana Continuing Legal Education) program ensures that all licensed attorneys remain informed about changes in the law, uphold professional integrity, and enhance their skills throughout their careers. Understanding MT CLE requirements is essential for maintaining an active license and staying in good standing with the State Bar of Montana.

MT CLE Requirements for Montana Attorneys
The Montana Commission of Continuing Legal Education, operating under the Montana Supreme Court, administers the MT CLE program. Every active attorney admitted to the Montana Bar must complete 15 credit hours of MT CLE each year, which includes a mandatory ethics component.
The annual MT CLE requirements include:
• 2 hours of Ethics Credit
• 13 hours of General Credit
This structure ensures attorneys not only maintain legal competence but also commit to ethical and professional standards. The ethics requirement reinforces the Montana legal community’s focus on integrity, civility, and public trust—key elements of responsible legal practice.

How to Complete MT CLE Credits
Montana attorneys can fulfill their MT CLE obligations through a variety of formats that accommodate diverse learning preferences and schedules. Traditional in-person seminars continue to offer valuable opportunities for networking and live interaction, while online and on-demand courses provide flexibility and convenience.
Approved options for earning MT CLE credits include:
• Live In-Person Seminars – Attend accredited sessions offering interactive participation.
• Live Webinars and Virtual Programs – Join live, instructor-led online events that qualify as interactive CLE.
• On-Demand or Recorded Programs – Complete approved CLE courses at your own pace.
• Teaching or Writing Legal Publications – Attorneys can earn MT CLE credit for teaching accredited programs or publishing legal works.
The Montana Commission must pre-approve CLE providers and courses to ensure compliance with MT CLE standards. Attorneys are encouraged to confirm course accreditation before enrollment to guarantee credit eligibility. Additionally, attorneys may carry over up to 30 general credit hours and 2 ethics credits into the next reporting period, providing added flexibility for those who exceed their yearly requirements.

MT CLE Reporting and Deadlines
The MT CLE reporting period runs from April 1 to March 31 each year. Attorneys must complete all required credit hours within this period and file their compliance reports by May 15. Many CLE providers report attendance directly to the Montana Commission, but attorneys are ultimately responsible for verifying their MT CLE record and ensuring it accurately reflects their participation.
Failure to meet MT CLE requirements or to file the compliance affidavit on time can result in non-compliance notices, late fees, and, if uncorrected, administrative suspension. Attorneys should retain CLE attendance certificates and course completion records for at least three years as proof of compliance in the event of an audit.

Value of MT CLE
Beyond fulfilling a professional requirement, MT CLE plays a vital role in promoting ongoing learning and ethical practice among Montana attorneys. It provides opportunities to stay current with legislative updates, refine legal strategies, and strengthen professional integrity.
Common MT CLE topics include:
• Recent developments in Montana law
• Ethics and professional responsibility
• Litigation techniques and trial skills
• Legal writing and client communication
• Practice management and technology in law
• Diversity, inclusion, and bias awareness in the legal profession
Ethics courses within the MT CLE framework encourage reflection on professionalism, respect, and accountability—values that sustain the integrity of Montana’s legal system.

Conclusion | MT CLE
In summary, MT CLE ensures that Montana attorneys remain competent, ethical, and effective advocates for their clients. By completing accredited courses, tracking progress diligently, and reporting compliance punctually, attorneys maintain good standing with the State Bar and strengthen the profession’s reputation for excellence.

Participation in MT CLE is not merely about meeting a requirement—it represents a lifelong commitment to learning, ethical service, and professional responsibility. Through consistent engagement in MT CLE, Montana attorneys continue to elevate the standards of the legal profession and uphold the trust placed in them by clients and the courts alike.

For the latest official MT CLE details, forms, and FAQs, attorneys should visit the Montana State Unified Court System’s CLE Board website.